| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-16 | - |
Program Overview
The Psychiatric Pharmacy PgDip at Aston University equips students with the knowledge and skills to become clinical mental health specialists. Through a blended learning approach, students develop expertise in clinical assessment, intervention, and communication, preparing them for specialist roles in the NHS and other healthcare settings. The program is accredited by the College of Mental Health Pharmacy and highly valued by employers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Psychiatric Pharmacy PgDip program at Aston University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to become competent clinical mental health specialists. The program is accredited by the College of Mental Health Pharmacy (CMHP) and is recognized as a requirement for specialist clinical mental health positions in the NHS.
Objectives:
- To prepare students for a specialist clinical role in the field of psychiatric pharmacy.
- To provide students with the knowledge to play an active part in the care of people with a range of mental health disorders.
- To enable students to communicate effectively across professional boundaries and act as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team.
- To develop students' decision-making process in a professional context.
- To apply knowledge and skills in the practice of mental health pharmacy and prepare students for expert professional practice, delivering care to people with complex needs.
Description:
The program offers a blended learning approach, combining self-directed online learning with practical experience. Students access learning materials through a virtual learning environment (Blackboard) and engage in a multidisciplinary clinical forum where they contribute to real-world patient care. The program focuses on developing students' skills in:
- Clinical assessment and intervention
- Formulary development
- Clinical audit and communication
- Psychological therapies
- Substance misuse
- Pharmaco-economics
- Evidence-based medicine
Outline:
The program is delivered over one year, commencing in September. It consists of three modules, each spanning four months. Students are expected to attend a multidisciplinary clinical forum for a minimum of 14 weeks during each module.
Taught Stage Modules:
- An Introduction to Clinical Practice (10 Credits)
- Clinical Interventions (10 Credits)
- Formulary Development, Clinical Audit and Communication (10 Credits)
- Psychological Therapies/Substance Misuse (10 Credits)
- Pharmaco-Economics/Information Technology & Evidence Based Medicine (10 Credits)
- Integrated Studies and Specialist Areas (10 Credits)
Total Credits:
60
Assessment:
The program is assessed entirely through coursework.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a modern and innovative teaching style, emphasizing hands-on learning and bridging the gap between theory and practice. The teaching faculty comprises specialist mental health pharmacists with extensive industry experience.
Careers:
The Psychiatric Pharmacy PgDip is highly valued by employers and is often a requirement for specialist clinical mental health posts in the NHS. Completion of the program can lead to various career paths, including:
- Mental health pharmacist
- Clinical pharmacist
- Specialist pharmacist
- Research pharmacist
- Pharmacy manager
Other:
- The program is suitable for individuals employed in units that treat people with mental health problems.
- Students must have regular access to a multidisciplinary team and patients with psychiatric illnesses.
- The program is designed to be flexible and self-directed, allowing students to balance their studies with their professional commitments.
- Aston University provides a range of scholarships to help students lower tuition and living costs.
UK students(2024/25) Annual tuition fees: £3,900 International students(2024/25) Annual tuition fees: £3,900
